The In’s and Out’s At West Bromwich Albion

At the half way point of the January transfer window, West Bromwich Albion are yet to do any business, with no players leaving or joining the club, but will there be any movement now new head coach Pepe Mel has been appointed?

The former Real Betis manager will take charge of his first match on Monday nights televised game against Everton meaning he will get a good chance to look at his squad properly. After watching last weekend’s game at Southampton and a full week of training, he should have had the appropriate amount of time know what areas need improving and which players he wants to let go.

Nottingham Forrest have been strongly linked with Scottish midfielder Graham Dorrans after he fell down the pecking order at The Hawthorns. A player who on his day can influence any game in the world with his fantastic dribbling skills. The player will fondly remembered since joining the Albion from Livingston in 2007. The player may leave on loan, but will generate some money to strengthen the squad if he is to move on.

Another player who could be on his way out is Markus Rosenberg. Malmo, a club from Sweden, where Rosenberg started his career have expressed an interest in bringing him back to his homeland. Despite all his hard work he has failed to make the grade in the Premier League and his departure will help Albion strengthen other areas.

It has also been well documented that Shane Long could leave the club, with Hull prepared to pay at least five million pound for the Irish striker.

West Brom would need to sell in order to bring in players, but have been linked with Demba Ba on loan from Chelsea. Ba would bring some much needed goals to the West Bromwich Albion striker force, as he has a fantastic record at the likes of West Ham and Newcastle.

Another striker who has been linked with the Hawthorns is Ruben Castro from Betis. Mel is keen to bring the striker with him to England. He has a fantastic goal scoring record in Spain, scoring 61 goals in 109 games for Mel’s former club. Ac Milan striker Alessandro Matri has also been linked with a loan move to West Brom.

Albion have been keen to strengthen the full back roles and Milan defender Cristian Zaccardo could join the club. He is predominately a right back but can play through the centre or even on the left. He is an Italian international and was part of the 2006 World Cup winning side. The 32 year old has played 7 times for Milan this season.

Brede Hangeland has also been linked to WBA, with a two million pound move on the cards.

If West Brom are to make any movements in the winter window, the will need to sell before they can bring anyone in. Expect business to pick up a bit after Mel has taken charge of his first game in English football.